63: Take the initiative

Inside Burial Ox Valley, the clamor of victory was gradually replaced by the solemn work of cleaning up. Officers like Clay and Karl shouted loudly, directing the soldiers to clear this bloody battlefield.

The soldiers of Star Sea Territory endured their fatigue and pain to collect the bodies of their fallen comrades and pile up the crude but heavy iron weapons gathered from the Minotaurs. At the same time, they watched over more than a thousand Minotaur captives who were crouching on the ground with fear on their faces. The mages of the Sea God Clan also descended from the cliff tops to assist in casting healing Spells or purifying water sources to treat the wounded from both sides, and the smell of blood in the air seemed to fade slightly.

Aivi walked to Linn's side, her sea-blue eyes scanning the Minotaur corpses littering the ground and the fallen soldiers of Star Sea Territory. A trace of complexity flashed in her eyes, but it was mostly a sense of relief from vengeance achieved and hope for the future. She looked at Linn, her tone sincere and carrying a hint of reliance:

"Linn, this time it really is thanks to you all. If not for your planning and the valiant fighting of the Star Sea Territory warriors, I do not know how much longer my clan would have struggled in the shadows. You will forever be the most steadfast and reliable friends of my Sea God Clan."

Beside them, High Priest Sea Song and Sebastian, Archmage, Head of the Mage Corps, also walked over. Having witnessed Linn's calm command on the battlefield, his powerful magical strength, and those mysterious yet effective enslavement methods, the last traces of doubt and estrangement in their hearts had vanished, replaced by heartfelt admiration. High Priest Sea Song nodded slightly, her voice much gentler:

"Baron of Star Sea, the credit for this battle lies mostly with you. The Sea God Clan shall remember this in our hearts."

Linn's gaze swept over the remaining soldiers of Star Sea Territory, who were weary but still had sharp eyes, and the high-spirited mages of the Sea God Clan. He said loudly, "All other able-bodied warriors, set out with me and our Sea God Clan allies immediately. Our target—the Orc Tribe! We must deal them a fatal blow before they can react!"